NIECE

A niece is a female relative who is the daughter of one's brother or sister. In some cultures and contexts, the term may also be used for the daughter of a spouse's sibling or, more broadly, for a female child related through marriage; usage varies by culture and family practice. The male counterpart is a nephew.

Etymology: The word "niece" comes from Old French nièce, derived ultimately from Latin neptis, meaning granddaughter or a female descendant. The related male term is "nephew," from a parallel lineage (nepos).

Usage and notes: A niece typically shares a family bond through a parental sibling and may be involved in family activities and objections that vary by jurisdiction and tradition. In contemporary usage, the gender-neutral umbrella term "nibling" is used by some to refer collectively to nieces and nephews. Cultural expectations regarding nieces—such as roles in family gatherings, caregiving, and inheritance—vary widely across regions and families.

See also: Aunt and uncle, Nephew, Cousin.